Alternative to Shrewsbury

Subject: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: danensis
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 04:58 PM

After Shrewsbury last year I've decided my eardrums need a rest, so I've been casting around for alternatives, and have been looking at Whitby Folk Week.

Its not clear from the web site whether there is a central venue, or if its a bit like the Edinburgh Fringe where you have to walk the streets hunting for the craic.

If the latter, are most walkable, as for me one of the joys of a festival is not having to drive for a while.

I quite fancied Towersey, but I'm too old for camping (so my arthritis tells me), and there don't seem to be any B&Bs within walking distance.

John

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 05:16 PM

Whitby's great - as a place and as a festival, both the official events and the fringe, and most of the venues are within a fairly short distance and walkable, but those on the West Cliff mean you have to walk uphill.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: danensis
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 05:25 PM

We used to stay at the top of the West Cliff when I was a child. All I remember are the whalebones, and seagulls that start at the crack of dawn, oh, and a long walk to Sandsend.

Its the East Cliff that has the kipper sheds isn't it?

John

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 05:42 PM

Yes, East Cliff has kipper sheds, Captain Cook Museum, Abbey (199 steps), singing and music in the Endeavour, Friendship Rowing Club....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: Emma B
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 05:46 PM

Whitby is a great festival but it does finish about the same time that the Bank Holiday w'end festivals are beginning!

I only went for part of the week this year but can highly recommend the Moor and Coast camp site if you want to "pay your way" at concerts etc or just take in the wonderful pub sessions.

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: Mr Red
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 06:06 PM

Last I heard years ago was get the B&B booked early like next few months.

Shrewsbury wasn't too loud - "far too LOUD" is rather understating the case. And the purile attitude of the organisers to anyone who dares point this out means that they are going to attract more of the self-serving, ego-centric punters with attitude. Like those that piss in the showers (yes) any kick-up the dust as they insist on driving fast through the dry aluvium. If it rains there will be no dust! If it really rains remember it is a flood plain. There were just enough inconsiderate campers to show what the future holds with big and brash events.

There is always Wadebridge.

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 02:53 AM

We enjoyed Shrewsbury for the sheer density of talent. Whitby is a fantastic place and the Festival is probably the best in the country for quality and variety - book your flat or b & b now

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: Mo the caller
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 04:54 AM

Too late. I emailed to try to rebook last year's flat just before the festival, and was told it was already booked. I was given another in the same house, I think the couple who were in it hoped to rebook that.
There is quite a lot of dashing about between venues if you dont want to miss things.
here's a map
Last year there were events on the West Cliff, at the Football club, down by the harbour, across the river, and in the community College. And only 10 minutes to get from one to another (for a 20 minute brisk walk). Not to mention all the 'mustn't miss' workshops that clashed.
Something for everyone there. Dancing of all sorts, singing playing, listening and watching. Maybe not so much reliance on 'Big Names' concerts. And you could not guarentee to get in to everything (I believe there were long queues for Speirs and Bowden).

They made a big improvement to last years programme re the workshops, spelling out which were part of a series and which were stand alone, one-offs. Some attract experts, others are aimed at complete beginners. I turned up early for a session and found myself with a set of small pipes under my arm - wow!

Well worth going to. Good value for money too.

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 06:42 AM

To answer the original question - there is not a central venue at Whitby in the same way that Shrewsbury has a main site - it's a very different type of festival. At Whitby, all of the venues are existing buildings in the town (no marquees) and as such are *fairly* spread out - Whitby has quite steep streets in places. Venues do tend to be smaller and quieter than Shrewsbury.

I've not been to the Edinburgh Fringe - the way you describe it sounds like you have to hunt for stuff you might want to go to - Whitby isn't quite like that either since there is a full programme telling you where/when everything is...

Are you restricted to that week of the year though? Other festivals which might meet your requirements would be Warwick (end of July) or Bromyard (middle of September).

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: gnomad
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 07:31 AM

Events at Whitby are all within walking distance for the fit (unless you are planning to go to the bits in Robin Hood's Bay, which is a drive/bus proposition if you don't want to spend 2 hrs each way walking) and much is walkable even for the severely unfit. If steps or cobbles are a problem, though, you will find the place a bit of a test; it might be best to plan your day to try for a succession of events in one venue, or at least downhill from one another.

All the official events are in the programme, and most will not be of the eardrum-threatening kind (the Spa is usually where the loudest bits occur) so you should find something to suit. There is also a sizeable fringe in the numerous pubs, if you are hunting for "craic" then this could be fertile ground for you. Find your way to the Station (formerly Tap&Spile) or the Endeavour, odds are there will be someone you know in either place who can give you the lowdown, if not just ask the nearest likely looking person.

If you need to use a vehicle while here then make it a taxi, parking is so bad that one friend who asked a policeman for suggestions was told to try Scarborough (25 miles away) and it wasn't really a joke.

Accommodation is the biggest problem for many. If you want a B+B, Hotel, or self-catering you should be doing it now. Many regulars re-book for next year during the festival, as being the only sure way to secure beds.

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: Mr Red
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 08:05 AM

Just bumped into a Shropshire couple. They are going to Onslow Park Steam Fair that weekend. Not a lot of Folk there I suspect.

Told me unprompted that Shrewsbury had become "Big and impersonal".
"big" was my reaction on the Fri. Add Brash to that now.

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 10:00 AM

Well I'm shocked at some've the responses about Shrewsbury.

Was there this year & had a fab time, loads decent seshes & siarounds, both on site & in town.

Will be there again next time

Subject: RE: Alternative to Shrewsbury
From: GUEST,Alt Rich
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 10:22 AM

If you think Shrewsbury is loud and impersonal you should try Towersey. I had a great time at Shrewsbury, facilities were excellent and lots to do. There were lots of choices of venues including acoustic gigs in several places. If you really want to winge, try Towersey. It may have not suited a few peoples ears but the vast majority of people seem to love it.